Embedded Computing Arm SoM

Arm System-on-Modules

Use a defined compute module for processor, memory and boot functions while the carrier board implements application-specific I/O, power entry, protection and mechanics.

Platform role
Reusable compute module
Form factors
OSM · SMARC · SODIMM · Qseven
Processor ecosystem
NXP · TI · Renesas · ST · MediaTek
Software
Linux BSPs · selected Android/RTOS
Module-based compute Custom carrier I/O Processor options BSP support Industrial options Lifecycle planning
Platform qualification: Platform qualification must confirm processor stepping, module pinout, carrier-board interface allocation, boot chain, BSP release, high-speed signal integrity, thermal solution, operating temperature and lifecycle before design freeze.
Module category Compute architecture Form factor Memory and storage Primary interfaces
Low-power module Single- or dual-core Cortex-A55 with Cortex-M class real-time core OSM Size-S/SF or compact B2B LPDDR4(X) · eMMC · QSPI Dual GbE · USB · CAN · display
AI and vision module Multi-core Arm processor with NPU or dedicated AI accelerator OSM or SMARC Scalable DDR/LPDDR · eMMC MIPI camera · PCIe · Ethernet · display
High-performance module Multi-core Cortex-A with GPU/NPU and real-time subsystem SMARC, Qseven or proprietary B2B LPDDR4/LPDDR5 · eMMC/UFS PCIe · USB 3.x · multi-display · high-speed Ethernet

Platform Capabilities

Arm System-on-Modules are suited to products that need application-specific I/O and mechanics while keeping the processor, memory and boot subsystem on a defined compute module.

Concentrated compute integration

Processor, memory, boot storage, power sequencing and high-speed interfaces are implemented on the module rather than repeated on each carrier design.

Application-focused carrier design

The carrier can concentrate on field I/O, connectors, power entry, protection and enclosure requirements.

Defined processor choices

Compatible module families may offer different performance, graphics, AI and real-time options within the limits of the selected form factor and pinout.

Supported software baseline

Available BSPs, bootloaders and drivers provide a starting point for application development and maintenance, subject to the selected module and software release.

Technical Features

The module contains the processor, memory, boot devices, clocks and power-management functions. The carrier board implements external I/O, protection, power entry, connectors and product-specific mechanics.

Prevalidated compute core

Processor, memory, boot storage, clocks and power sequencing are integrated and tested on the module.

Application-specific carrier

The carrier is optimised for field interfaces, connector placement, protection, input power and enclosure constraints.

Scalable processor choices

OSM, SMARC, SODIMM and Qseven portfolios span low-power control, graphics, AI and real-time processing needs.

High-speed interface breakout

PCIe, Ethernet, USB, display and camera interfaces are routed through standardised or high-density module connectors.

Software and security baseline

Linux BSPs, secure boot and processor security functions provide a defined software and update architecture.

Thermal and lifecycle planning

Heat spreaders, heat sinks and industrial-temperature options support long-life products when selected at project level.

Specifications

Technical parameters vary by module family. Compare processor, memory, module format, interface allocation, software support, thermal limits and lifecycle requirements.

Arm System-on-Modules technical specifications
Parameter Unit Value / Description
COMPUTE & MEMORY
Processor families NXP, TI, Renesas, ST and MediaTek Arm application processors.
CPU architecture Cortex-A application cores, frequently combined with Cortex-M/R real-time cores and optional GPU or NPU resources.
Module formats OSM, SMARC, SODIMM, Qseven and proprietary high-density board-to-board modules.
System memory DDR4, LPDDR4, LPDDR4X, LPDDR5 or LPDDR5X depending on processor and module.
Boot and storage QSPI/OSPI flash, eMMC, EEPROM and optional UFS; removable or NVMe storage is normally implemented on the carrier.
INTERFACES & SOFTWARE
Networking Gigabit Ethernet, TSN-capable Ethernet and higher-speed Ethernet on selected processors.
Expansion PCIe, USB, SDIO, UART, SPI, I²C, CAN/CAN FD and GPIO, processor dependent.
Display and camera MIPI DSI/CSI, LVDS, eDP, HDMI or DisplayPort, depending on the platform.
Wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular interfaces may be integrated on the module or carrier.
Operating systems Linux BSP support; Android and RTOS support are available on selected processor families.
Security Secure boot and hardware security functions are processor dependent; discrete TPM support is carrier specific.
Form-factor compatibility OSM, SMARC, SODIMM and Qseven are separate mechanical and electrical ecosystems; compatibility must be evaluated within the selected standard and module family.
DEPLOYMENT
Operating temperature °C Commercial, extended and industrial-temperature variants; exact limits are model specific.
Thermal solution Heat spreader, heat sink or active cooling selected from processor power and ambient conditions.
Lifecycle Product longevity, revision control and component availability should be confirmed for the selected module.

Applications

Arm modules support product families that need a stable application carrier, configurable compute performance and long-term software maintenance.

Industrial HMI

Support display, touch and field-interface designs while selecting processor and graphics capability for the equipment variant.

Edge AI and vision

Add camera interfaces and local acceleration while keeping the high-speed compute subsystem on the module.

Medical devices

Provide a defined compute and software architecture for diagnostic, monitoring and imaging products.

Automotive electronics

Support telematics, gateway and cockpit platforms using processor families with real-time and networking capabilities.

Robotics

Combine real-time control, machine vision and industrial networking on an application-specific carrier.

Connected equipment

Use a common module strategy across related machines while adapting application I/O and enclosure design.